Several hundred people were on hand Friday night to kick off this year’s Quincy Relay for Life opening ceremony.

Each year more than four million people in over 20 countries raise much-needed funds and awareness to save lives from cancer through the Relay For Life movement.

During the event, participants and survivors celebrate overcoming cancer.

Two survivors at the Quincy event spoke about their experiences.

Pauline Hickman, a 12-year survivor, said she comes to the Relay walk as much as she can. She said she asked God to heal her and he did.

Lizzie Figgers, a 20-year survivor, gave God the credit for her recovery. “I try to be an example of how they can be healed,” Figgers said of her participation in the walk each year.

Part of the Walk includes remembering people lost to the disease, and honoring people who have fought or are fighting cancer.

Every year the Relay For Life movement raises more than $400 million.

The American Cancer Society puts these donations to work, investing in groundbreaking research in every type of cancer and providing free information and services to cancer patients and their caregivers.